Sachs is NOT the OEManufacturer of our E39 M5 clutch!! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Teutonaddict · 1st July 2002, 20:01

Just got off the phone with a rep from Sachs, NA.

I was once again inquiring about their Performance Clutch. I had learned thru my local installer that they heard from their distributor that the Sachs unit was not a straight bolt-on application. They told me that proper fitment required machining of the $$$ dual-mass flywheel. This didn't make sense to me if Sachs were the OE supplier.

Now it makes sense. While Sachs does manufacture clutches for many-a-BMW, they are NOT the OE supplier for the E39 Beast. Rather, that job is done by LuK (or as the Sachs rep said, "our competition over in Valley City" [OH]).

When I went to LuK's USA website, I read that they designed the dual-mass flywheel and the self-adjusting clutch. It seems like a fit.

A friend of mine knows a tech-type from Luk, so I am calling in my chips to see if he'll talk to me. I will post what I learn.

In the meantime, anyone with first-hand experience with the Sachs Performance Clutch care to weigh in?? HaroldC? 540is?

GradX · 1st July 2002, 21:21

Hey Teutonaddict! I had my O2 sensors replaced and the SES light is no longer coming on. And I also had my brushed aluminum shifter knob replaced with an all black leather one (I think from the M3).

Also, I have taken pictures of Tim's E39 M5 wagon at Chris BMW. And while I was there on Friday, I also saw an almost fully decked out AC Schnitzer M5. Some plastic surgeon owned it, had the active suspension (not the DFC), exhaust, rear diffuser, front grill, rear wing, rear lip, and stickers on the side! Titanium silver with ACS Type 3 3pc wheels, but they weren't chrome and I didn't like the finish.

CM5GO · 1st July 2002, 21:35

I really think you should give centerforce a call. They make a great clutch and already said they would upgrade the stock M5 clutch. No machinimg necessary. They said it would be about 3 or 4 hundred bucks on top of the stock clutch price. Seems well worth it if you ask me.

TCM · 1st July 2002, 21:38

Did you inquire about a performance clutch from Luk? As far as I know, they produce some good heavy duty clutches.

Teutonaddict · 1st July 2002, 22:47

Quote:

Originally posted by TCM
Did you inquire about a performance clutch from Luk? As far as I know, they produce some good heavy duty clutches.

As soon as I get the contact info, I will inquire!

A physician friend of mine back in OH (an E28 M5'er X2) has a patient that works for Luk. When I was relating my clutch woes, he offered to connect the two of us. That was before I learned Luk was the OE supplier for the E39 M5.

Teutonaddict · 1st July 2002, 22:53

Quote:

Originally posted by CM5GO
I really think you should give centerforce a call. They make a great clutch and already said they would upgrade the stock M5 clutch.

Thanks, Chris! Actually, I did call Centerforce about modifying a new M5 clutch, and the guy I talked to actually dissuaded me from pursuing that option! He said I should simply replace it with a stock unit, and plan to replace clutches as a wear item like I do tires!

Here's the thread where I described my conversation with the Centerforce rep:
http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showt...ormance+clutch

Teutonaddict · 1st July 2002, 22:56

Quote:

Originally posted by GradX
I had my O2 sensors replaced and the SES light is no longer coming on.

Also, I have taken pictures of Tim's E39 M5 wagon at Chris BMW.

Glad to hear you're back on the road, GradX! That SES phenomenon can be a royal PITA.

bmurphy and I have been talking about arranging another Atlanta-area M5 gathering, so keep your eyes peeled! We oughta invite Tim from Chris BMW for a photo shoot! I need to drop by there and take a gander....

TCM · 2nd July 2002, 01:06

Teutonaddict:

Please keep us informed as to how you make out with Luk. Maybe this will be the end of all the clutch woes

?

rvacha · 2nd July 2002, 05:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Teutonaddict
Just got off the phone with a rep from Sachs, NA.

I was once again inquiring about their Performance Clutch. I had learned thru my local installer that they heard from their distributor that the Sachs unit was not a straight bolt-on application. They told me that proper fitment required machining of the $$$ dual-mass flywheel. This didn't make sense to me if Sachs were the OE supplier.

Now it makes sense. While Sachs does manufacture clutches for many-a-BMW, they are NOT the OE supplier for the E39 Beast. Rather, that job is done by LuK (or as the Sachs rep said, "our competition over in Valley City" [OH]).

When I went to LuK's USA website, I read that they designed the dual-mass flywheel and the self-adjusting clutch. It seems like a fit.

A friend of mine knows a tech-type from Luk, so I am calling in my chips to see if he'll talk to me. I will post what I learn.

Replacement clutch is listed as 03-042 and the dual mass flywheel is listed as DMF021. I think you found the OEM...

I live 7 minutes from these guys (and didn't know it) so if you need someone to drop in, just let me know

Ray

CM5GO · 2nd July 2002, 14:33

Quote:

Originally posted by Teutonaddict

Thanks, Chris! Actually, I did call Centerforce about modifying a new M5 clutch, and the guy I talked to actually dissuaded me from pursuing that option! He said I should simply replace it with a stock unit, and plan to replace clutches as a wear item like I do tires!

Here's the thread where I described my conversation with the Centerforce rep:
http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showt...ormance+clutch

Wow, that really surprises me. The guy I spoke to was very assuring that their clutch would be great for our car.